Brief Summary:
Summarizing the Book of Proverbs is a bit difficult, for unlike many other books of Scripture, there is no particular plot or storyline found in its pages; likewise, there are no principal characters in the book. It is wisdom that takes center stage—a grand, divine wisdom that transcends the whole of history, peoples, and cultures. Even a perfunctory reading of this magnificent treasury reveals the pithy sayings of the wise King Solomon are as relevant today as they were some three thousand years ago.
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The Book of Proverbs Summary
Summary of the Book of Proverbs – Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org
(Read Proverbs 16:3)
Roll the burden of thy care upon God, and leave it with him, by faith and dependence on him.
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Proverbs 16 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 16:3
Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed.
Context Summary
Proverbs 16:1–9 reflects on the heart’s intention to make plans and the Lord’s rule over that planning. Committing one’s ways to God, with reverence, is the wise way to make plans. The Lord has a purpose for everything He created (1 Timothy 4:4). This continues the main section of the book of Proverbs: a compilation of short, general-case statements of wisdom.
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“Proverbs 16:8” BibleRef.com
What does Proverbs 16:8 mean? | BibleRef.com
Proverbs 16:8
Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice.
(Read Proverbs 17:27,28)
A man may show himself to be a wise man, by the good temper of his mind, and by the good government of his tongue. He is careful when he does speak, to speak to the purpose. God knows his heart, and the folly that is bound there; therefore he cannot be deceived in his judgment as men may be.
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Proverbs 17 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 17:27
He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.
Context Summary
Proverbs 18:1–9 touches on themes such as arrogance and closed-mindedness. A common thread in this section is how unwise speech, or failure to be open-minded and diligent, can lead to serious consequences.
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“Proverbs 18:1” BibleRef.com
What does Proverbs 18:1 mean? | BibleRef.com
Proverbs 18:1
A man who isolates himself pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment..
(Read Proverbs 18:21)
Many a one has caused his own death, or the death of others, by a false or injurious tongue.
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Proverbs 18 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.
(Read Proverbs 18:22)
A good wife is a great blessing to a man, and it is a token of Divine favour.
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Proverbs 18 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 18:22
Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh.
(Read Proverbs 19:11)
He attains the most true glory who endeavours most steadily to overcome evil with good.
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Proverbs 19 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense.
(Read Proverbs 19:21)
What should we desire, but that all our purposes may agree with God’s holy will?
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Proverbs 19 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 19:21
There are many plans in a man’s heart, but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail.
(Read Proverbs 20:3)
To engage in quarrels is the greatest folly that can be. Yield, and even give up just demands, for peace’ sake.
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Proverbs 20 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 20:23
Yahweh detests differing weights, and dishonest scales are not pleasing.
Context Summary
Proverbs 20:12–30 touches on a variety of subjects as Solomon (Proverbs 10:1) wisely observes what is right and what is wrong. He censures deceit and dishonest gain but commends honesty, love, and loyalty. This section also includes common sense reminders about topics like business and hastiness.
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“Proverbs 20:27” Bibleref.com
What does Proverbs 20:27 mean? | BibleRef.com
Proverbs 20:27
The spirit of man is Yahweh’s lamp, searching all his innermost parts.
Context Summary
Proverbs 21:17–31 continues the recorded wisdom of Solomon (Proverbs 10:1). He contrasts the wise person with the foolish person, the righteous with the wicked, the lazy person with and the diligent, and human wisdom with the Lord’s sovereignty.
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“Proverbs 21:17” Bibleref.com
What does Proverbs 21:17 mean? | BibleRef.com
Proverbs 21:17
He who loves pleasure will be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil won’t be rich.
(Read Proverbs 21:23)
It is our great concern to keep our souls from being entangled and disquieted.
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Proverbs 21 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 21:23
23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
(Read Proverbs 22:1)
We should be more careful to do that by which we may get and keep a good name, than to raise or add unto a great estate.
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Proverbs 22 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 22:1
A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold.
(Read Proverbs 22:6)
Train children, not in the way they would go, that of their corrupt hearts, but in the way they should go; in which, if you love them, you would have them go. As soon as possible every child should be led to the knowledge of the Saviour.
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Proverbs 22 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
(Read Proverbs 23:6-8)
Do not make thyself burdensome to any, especially those not sincere. When we are called by God to his feast, and to let our souls delight themselves, Isaiah 25:6; 55:2, we may safely partake of the Bread of life.
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Proverbs 23 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 23:6-8
Don’t eat the food of him who has a stingy eye, and don’t crave his delicacies: 7for as he thinks about the cost, so he is. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. 8 The morsel which you have eaten you shall vomit up, and lose your good words.
(Read Proverbs 23:19-28)
The gracious Saviour who purchased pardon and peace for his people, with all the affection of a tender parent, counsels us to hear and be wise, and is ready to guide our hearts in his way. Here we have an earnest call to young people, to attend to the advice of their godly parents. If the heart be guided, the steps will be guided. Buy the truth, and sell it not; be willing to part with any thing for it. Do not part with it for pleasures, honours, riches, or any thing in this world. The heart is what the great God requires. We must not think to divide the heart between God and the world; he will have all or none. Look to the rule of God’s word, the conduct of his providence, and the good examples of his people. Particular cautions are given against sins most destructive to wisdom and grace in the soul. It is really a shame to make a god of the belly. Drunkenness stupifies men, and then all goes to ruin. Licentiousness takes away the heart that should be given to God. Take heed of any approaches toward this sin, it is very hard to retreat from it. It bewitches men to their ruin.
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Proverbs 23 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 23:26
My son, give me your heart; and let your eyes keep in my ways.
(Read Proverbs 24:10)
Under troubles we are apt to despair of relief. But be of good courage, and God shall strengthen thy heart.
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Proverbs 24 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 24:10
If you falter in the time of trouble, your strength is small.
(Read Proverbs 24:30-34)
See what a blessing the husbandman’s calling is, and what a wilderness this earth would be without it. See what great difference there is in the management even of worldly affairs. Sloth and self-indulgence are the bane of all good. When we see fields overgrown with thorns and thistles, and the fences broken down, we see an emblem of the far more deplorable state of many souls. Every vile affection grows in men’s hearts; yet they compose themselves to sleep. Let us show wisdom by doubling our diligence in every good thing.
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Proverbs 24 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 24:33-34
a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep, 34 so your poverty will come as a robber and your want as an armed man.
(Read Proverbs 25:21,22)
The precept to love even our enemies is an Old Testament commandment. Our Saviour has shown his own great example in loving us when we were enemies.
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Proverbs 25 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 25:21
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
(Read Proverbs 26:11)
The dog is a loathsome emblem of those sinners who return to their vices, 2 Peter 2:22.
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Proverbs 26 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 26:11
As a dog that returns to his vomit, so is a fool who repeats his folly.
Context Summary
Proverbs 26:1–12 is mostly a series of blunt, negative remarks about a “fool;” the word appears in all but one verse. In the book of Proverbs, a “fool” is one who rejects godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). The segment also includes a famous pair of statements which seem contradictory. Since verses 4 and 5 are written side-by-side, the implication is that there are times where one approach or the other is best. Generally, those who ignore God’s truth (Proverbs 8:34–36) are dangerous and unreliable.
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“Proverbs 26:12” BibleRef.com
What does Proverbs 26:12 mean? | BibleRef.com
Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
(Read Proverbs 27:17)
We are cautioned to take heed whom we converse with. And directed to have in view, in conversation, to make one another wiser and better.
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Proverbs 27 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance.
(Read Proverbs 28:1)
Sin makes men cowards. Whatever difficulties the righteous meet in the way of duty, they are not daunted.
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Proverbs 28 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion
(Read Proverbs 29:18)
How bare does a place look without Bibles and ministers! and what an easy prey is it to the enemy of souls! That gospel is an open vision, which holds forth Christ, which humbles the sinner and exalts the Saviour, which promotes holiness in the life and conversation: and these are precious truths to keep the soul alive, and prevent it from perishing
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Proverbs 29 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the law is blessed.
(Read Proverbs 29:22)
An angry, passionate disposition makes men provoking to one another, and provoking to God.
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Proverbs 29 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 29:22
An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.
(Read Proverbs 30:1-6)
Agur speaks of himself as wanting a righteousness, and having done very foolishly. And it becomes us all to have low thoughts of ourselves. He speaks of himself as wanting revelation to guide him in the ways of truth and wisdom. The more enlightened people are, the more they lament their ignorance; the more they pray for clearer, still clearer discoveries of God, and his rich grace in Christ Jesus. In ver.
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Proverbs 30 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 30:1
The words of Agur the son of Jakeh; the revelation: the man says to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:
(Read Proverbs 30:1-6)
Agur speaks of himself as wanting a righteousness, and having done very foolishly. And it becomes us all to have low thoughts of ourselves. He speaks of himself as wanting revelation to guide him in the ways of truth and wisdom. The more enlightened people are, the more they lament their ignorance; the more they pray for clearer, still clearer discoveries of God, and his rich grace in Christ Jesus. In ver.
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Proverbs 30 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 30:2
“Surely I am the most ignorant man, and don’t have a man’s understanding.
(Read Proverbs 30:1-6)
Agur speaks of himself as wanting a righteousness, and having done very foolishly. And it becomes us all to have low thoughts of ourselves. He speaks of himself as wanting revelation to guide him in the ways of truth and wisdom. The more enlightened people are, the more they lament their ignorance; the more they pray for clearer, still clearer discoveries of God, and his rich grace in Christ Jesus. In ver.
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Proverbs 30 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 30:3
I have not learned wisdom, neither do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.
(Read Proverbs 30:1-6)
Agur speaks of himself as wanting a righteousness, and having done very foolishly. And it becomes us all to have low thoughts of ourselves. He speaks of himself as wanting revelation to guide him in the ways of truth and wisdom. The more enlightened people are, the more they lament their ignorance; the more they pray for clearer, still clearer discoveries of God, and his rich grace in Christ Jesus. In ver.
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Proverbs 30 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 30:5
“Every word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
(Read Proverbs 31:10-31)
This is the description of a virtuous woman of those days, but the general outlines equally suit every age and nation. She is very careful to recommend herself to her husband’s esteem and affection, to know his mind, and is willing that he rule over her. 1. She can be trusted, and he will leave such a wife to manage for him. He is happy in her. And she makes it her constant business to do him good. 2. She is one that takes pains in her duties, and takes pleasure in them. She is careful to fill up time, that none be lost. She rises early. She applies herself to the business proper for her, to women’s business. She does what she does, with all her power, and trifles not. 3. She makes what she does turn to good account by prudent management. Many undo themselves by buying, without considering whether they can afford it. She provides well for her house. She lays up for hereafter. 4. She looks well to the ways of her household, that she may oblige all to do their duty to God and one another, as well as to her. 5. She is intent upon giving as upon getting, and does it freely and cheerfully. 6. She is discreet and obliging; every word she says, shows she governs herself by the rules of wisdom. She not only takes prudent measures herself, but gives prudent advice to others. The law of love and kindness is written in the heart, and shows itself in the tongue. Her heart is full of another world, even when her hands are most busy about this world. 7. Above all, she fears the Lord. Beauty recommends none to God, nor is it any proof of wisdom and goodness, but it has deceived many a man who made his choice of a wife by it. But the fear of God reigning in the heart, is the beauty of the soul; it lasts for ever. 8. She has firmness to bear up under crosses and disappointments. She shall reflect with comfort when she comes to be old, that she was not idle or useless when young. She shall rejoice in a world to come. She is a great blessing to her relations. If the fruit be good, the tree must have our good word. But she leaves it to her own works to praise her. Every one ought to desire this honour that cometh from God; and according to this standard we all ought to regulate our judgments. This description let all women daily study, who desire to be truly beloved and respected, useful and honourable. This passage is to be applied to individuals, but may it not also be applied to the church of God, which is described as a virtuous spouse? God by his grace has formed from among sinful men a church of true believers, to possess all the excellences here described.
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Proverbs 31 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 31:10
Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies.
(Read Proverbs 31:10-31)
This is the description of a virtuous woman of those days, but the general outlines equally suit every age and nation. She is very careful to recommend herself to her husband’s esteem and affection, to know his mind, and is willing that he rule over her. 1. She can be trusted, and he will leave such a wife to manage for him. He is happy in her. And she makes it her constant business to do him good. 2. She is one that takes pains in her duties, and takes pleasure in them. She is careful to fill up time, that none be lost. She rises early. She applies herself to the business proper for her, to women’s business. She does what she does, with all her power, and trifles not. 3. She makes what she does turn to good account by prudent management. Many undo themselves by buying, without considering whether they can afford it. She provides well for her house. She lays up for hereafter. 4. She looks well to the ways of her household, that she may oblige all to do their duty to God and one another, as well as to her. 5. She is intent upon giving as upon getting, and does it freely and cheerfully. 6. She is discreet and obliging; every word she says, shows she governs herself by the rules of wisdom. She not only takes prudent measures herself, but gives prudent advice to others. The law of love and kindness is written in the heart, and shows itself in the tongue. Her heart is full of another world, even when her hands are most busy about this world. 7. Above all, she fears the Lord. Beauty recommends none to God, nor is it any proof of wisdom and goodness, but it has deceived many a man who made his choice of a wife by it. But the fear of God reigning in the heart, is the beauty of the soul; it lasts for ever. 8. She has firmness to bear up under crosses and disappointments. She shall reflect with comfort when she comes to be old, that she was not idle or useless when young. She shall rejoice in a world to come. She is a great blessing to her relations. If the fruit be good, the tree must have our good word. But she leaves it to her own works to praise her. Every one ought to desire this honour that cometh from God; and according to this standard we all ought to regulate our judgments. This description let all women daily study, who desire to be truly beloved and respected, useful and honourable. This passage is to be applied to individuals, but may it not also be applied to the church of God, which is described as a virtuous spouse? God by his grace has formed from among sinful men a church of true believers, to possess all the excellences here described.
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Proverbs 31 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised.